2007 D-4 TRIALS RULES

2009 D-4 TRIALS RULES

The District 4 Trials Committee (Committee) is the governing body for Observed Trials competition within the American Motorcyclist Association District 4 (D-4). All D-4 points events must be held within the D-4 boundaries, unless a vote of the membership approving an out of district event is held prior to the start of the last event of the previous year. The purpose of the Committee is to further the sport of trials in D-4 by providing an annual series of competition events and the guidance necessary for uniformity. All AMA sanctioned D-4 trials events will be governed by the current AMA and N.A.T.C. observed trials and competition rules, and the rules deemed necessary by the Committee. Rule changes may be recommended during the competition season by organizers or competitors. Written proposals may be made to the Chairman by a sponsor and two cosigners. The Chairman will make the proposal at the next riders meeting, but it will not be voted upon until the following event. A majority of Committee
members at the voting event will enable the rule. Minor amendments to the rules (clarifications, etc) may be made by unanimous vote of committee members in attendance at a D-4 meeting with at least 15 members present. All D-4 trials Committee officers, chairman, assistant chairman, chief scorekeeper, secretary/ treasurer, rules secretary, publicity person, clerk of the course and any other person elected to carry out designated responsibilities must be 18 years of age, an AMA member and a D-4 trials Committee member. The fiscal year of the Committee and the annual term of the officers shall commence at the conclusion of the annual Committee Awards Banquet, or the 1^st day of March of the new season, whichever occurs first.

I. COMPETITION AND AWARD ELIGIBILITY

A. Requirements to compete in a Committee Championship Points Event:

1. Be a current member of the AMA.

2. Either be a member of the Committee ($10.00 annual fee) or pay a $5.00 waiver fee at each event. Individual trials Committee membership shall expire on the day prior to the first event of the following trials season.

3. Abide by all Committee rules.

4. Present all membership cards at each event

5. Competitors under 18 years of age must provide a signed, notarized release, on the

prescribed form, from their parent or legal guardian.

6. All competitors are required to attend the riders' meeting.

B. Requirements for points and award eligibility for D-4 Championship:

1. Be a current member of the Committee

2. Work and not compete in the required number of events. (per sec. III.D.)

C. Requirements for records:

1. The Chairman or his/her designee will maintain the record of each competitor for the purpose of tabulating advancement and/or championship points, including a record of required work.

2. A standard results sheet will be provided for each event.

D. Points Schedule:

1. All competitors will receive points based on their finishing position:

           1st   20points                  9th   7points
        2nd 17 points               10th   6points
        3rd 15 points               11th 5 points
        4th 13 points               12th   4 points                   5th 11 points                13th 3 points
        6th 10 points               14th 2 points
        7th   9 points                15th 1 point                       8th   8 points

E. Championship Classes

1. Expert

2. Advanced

3. Intermediate

4. Novice

5. Senior 35 (or older on the day of event)

a. Advanced

b. Intermediate

c. Novice

6.Senior 45 (or older on the day of event)

a. Advanced

b. Intermediate

c. Novice

7. Vintage I any twin shock or rigid frame, drum brake, air cooled, Senior Intermediate line.

8. Vintage N any twin shock or rigid frame, drum brake, air cooled, Senior Novice line.

9. Vintage R any twin shock or rigid frame, drum brake, air cooled, Rookie line

(See Sec IV.C.1.a.4 on Pg4).

10. Rookie (Any new rider).

F. The minimum number of riders constituting a class will be one (1). If there is only one rider he/she will receive the first place trophy and first place points.

II. ADVANCMEMENT AND SEASON CLASSIFICATION

A. Riders may start the season in any class.

1 . Riders may contest the Expert Class but must earn an Expert Classification.

2. To earn an Expert Classification riders must finish in the top 75% of the Expert Class

Championship Competitors Series plus required works, based on current Expert riders

competing in a full season.

a. Full season is based on the total events minus two required works, minus throw away

events.

b. 75% will he rounded to the nearest whole number.

Qualified Riders _________________ Position to Qualify

2 1st

3 2nd or better

4 3rd or better

5 4th or better

6 5th or better

7 5th or better

8 6th or better

B. Riders may change classes (up or down) anytime.

1. Championship points will be counted for the class a rider has the most finishes in.

C. Must be a D-4 Committee member to contest Championship Series.

1. A rider must inform the points secretary that they are riding for championship points or

not riding for championship points at the first event that they ride that year and cannot

change their decision for the rest of the season.

III. CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS.

A. Awards will be provided to all riders meeting championship requirements.

B. The top fifteen finishers from Expert to Advanced class combined will have their position reserved for them
at each sanctioned event the following season. A standardized number plate will be provided.
The number plate will bear finishing position for the year, class, name, and District 4 New York
and AMA logos.

C. Championship Awards will be based on the riders’ best finishes in 2/3 of the total sanctioned events held during the season rounded to the nearest whole number

EXAMPLE

14 events 9 count 13 events 9 count

12 8 11 7

10 7 9 6

D. Riders, competing in the Championship Series are required to work and not compete in two events each season to receive a year end trophy, regardless of the number of events ridden.

1. Work credit will only be given for being an Organizer, Assistant Clerk, Scorer or Observer at an

event. If a circumstance occurs that will prevent a rider from being able to work the event day, it

is the worker's responsibility to inform both the Organizer and the Chairman so that suitable

alternate work requirements can be satisfied. The Organizer will furnish the Points Secretary a

notification of alternate work signed by the Organizer and the Chairman.

2. The duties of the Publicity person, will be considered work for the purpose of receiving

Championship points, sit out events still apply. (see 1 Above)

E. A rider who starts an event may not be given credit for working that event. Starting defined as still signed

up to ride at start of riders meeting.

F. The Secretary will maintain a list of riders who chose specific work events at least two weeks before the

event.

IV. EVENT REQUIREMENTS

A. Equipment:

1. A machine inspection may be held at the discretion of the event organizer.

a. All bikes must meet the following to be allowed to compete in any event.

1. Adequate muffler as compared to similar motorcycles make, engine, year and are

not to exceed 88Db (A) at 50 feet or 99 Db (A) at 20 inches

2. An identification (number) plate must be displayed on front of the motorcycle. Class

designation letter/s a minimum 3" high and ½"stroke width on a contrasting background is

required. The class letters are: E-expert, A-advanced, I- intermediate, N-novice,

SA- senior advanced, SI- senior intermediate, SN- senior novice, R- rookie, VI- vintage

intermediate, VN- vintage novice and VR-vintage rookie. Sponsors name, artwork, decals,

etc. must not compromise the class designation visibility by the section observer.

3. No broken levers (must have ball or rounded ends).

4. Properly working throttle and brakes.

5. The same motorcycle must be used for the entire event and be presented at the finish

under its own power or that of the rider.

6. Properly functioning engine kill button.

2. Helmets.

a. All competitors and workers must wear D.O.T., Snell 90, or FIM approved helmets, with

properly fastened chinstrap while riding an event.

Failure to do so will result in disqualification or loss of work credit.

3. Observers should refuse entry into the section of any competitor or machine not in compliance

with equipment requirements.

B. Awards

1. Awards at each sanctioned event. a. All classes first place.

b. Additional awards and/or certificates may be given by the organizer. C. Course

1. The actual number and arrangement of sections, loop, etc., is left to the organizer of the event. The following minimums must be met.

a. Sections.

1. Minimum of 7 sections, maximum 10.

2. Minimum of 40 total attempts.(sections x loops) expert, advanced, intermediate, novice,

a. Rookies should have a minimum of 20 attempts on beginner level sections.

b. Vintage should have a minimum of 30 attempts on beginner or a combination of

beginner and novice sections. (see C.1.a.4.)

3. Must have an adequately marked line for each class within each section.

4. At the discretion of the Clerk of the Course, if necessary to provide appropriate challenge for the more experienced riders in the Senior and Vintage classes, a combination of sections from the nominal class and the next higher class may be used. The higher class sections may not exceed ½ the total. i.e.: Senior novice could use 5 novice and 3 intermediate sections.

b. Loop.

1. Loop must be arranged to provide best possible flow for all competitors, (keep bottle necks to

minimum).

2. Loop should stay under five miles in total length. Riders must start at their assigned

Sections, thereafter to be ridden consecutively. Skipping sections is not allowed.

2. Technical Considerations:

a. No two way traffic on any single track—permissible for short distances on wide trails when

visibility is adequate.

b. Provide clear and adequate route markings.

c. Provide notice of difficulties.(steep hill, creek crossing, etc.). The sign should say:

slow-technical area.

d. Provide sufficient space between section and loop to allow parking, entrance, and exit.

e. Avoid trails that cross each other.

f. Keep spectators in mind.

g. Sections should allow room to safely recover from error.

3. Sections must be ridden a sufficient number of times by the clerk or designee to establish their suitability

and to "settle" at least one line so early competitors are not at a disadvantage.

4. Keep in mind the effects of weather on both the sections and the loop. Provide in the layout for
alternatives.

5. Section Markers

a. Right side must be red or orange.

b. Tape splits must be done in white or yellow
c. Left can be any other visible color.

d. Markers and ribbon should be placed 4 to 12 inches high when possible.

e. Minimum section width should be 40 inches (1 meter) at handlebar height.

f. Start markers must say START, finish markers must say FINISH.

g. Marker designation for classes; (E) expert, (A) advanced, (I) intermediate. (N) novice, (R) rookie

h. A gate is defined as a right and left marker placed at an approximate right angle to the intended

travel. If a gate is class specific, it must have the appropriate class designations on both

markers. (Scoring rules III.C.I4.)

i. If the Senior and/or Vintage course is designated under sec. IV.C.1.a.4. a sign must be placed at

the start of the appropriate section(s) so indicating, (i.e. SN=I or SI=A or VR=N, etc.)

j. The observer must maintain the boundaries and markers in the condition presented to the first rider. Repair or replace any misplaced markers or tape. Materials should be available at the section.

6. Organizers should design the sections to take the following number of points from the third place

finisher in each class: Novice (15-25), Intermediate (20-30), Advanced (50-60), Expert (50-60).

7. Special circumstances must be approved by the Chairman or if warranted by a Committee vote.

D. Start and Finish Times:

1. Sign up till 11:30AM.

2. Observers Meeting 11:15 AM. Observers must be on site and check in with the clerk by 11:00 AM.

3. Riders Meeting 11:45 AM. Riders not in attendance will not be allowed to start the event.

4. Events start at12:00 noon.

5. All points events will last a minimum of four and one-half hours, unless extended by the organizer

and announced at the riders meeting.

a. Events will be extended by a grace period of 15 minutes with a one point penalty assessed per

minute up to 15 full minutes. Penalty time not to start until after last whole minute.

b. Any rider who finishes after the grace period will be considered a non-finisher.

c. The finishing time cannot be changed after the start of the event unless conditions present

a serious danger to competitors.

1. Organizer and Chairman must make the change.

2. Chief Scorer must not hand out any more scorecards until designated restart time.

3. Observers must he notified to close their section until established restart time.

d. A digital clock with the correct time will be provided by Chief Scorer to establish the official time.

1. A synchronized second clock in the last section will determine the rider's finishing

time to prevent speeding into the scoring area. The timing of the last lap will start 15 minutes

before the end of the event not including the grace period. The last section observer and

assistant must stay on duty until the end of the grace period. (See IV.D.5.a.)

2. A rider finishing the trial with no penalties should have his time recorded at the last

section or the start/finish.

E. Observers:

1. The organizer is responsible for providing the appropriate number of observers for the event.
Since each D-4 rider is responsible for working a given number of events for a Championship Season

they provide a good source for workers.

2. Observers must attend 11:15 observer's meeting. Observer's missing the meeting may be replaced and

lose work credit.

F. Entry fees:

1. $15.00 US for Committee sanctioned events. All Committee events must be AMA sanctioned and

insured. All necessary eligibility requirements must be met.

2. Non points events at organizer's discretion.

G. The Clerk Of The Course is responsible for all facets of the event and is to enforce all D-4 and AMA rules. The

Clerk accepts all protests and is responsible for scoring. The Clerk must forward all required paperwork to the

Committee Points Secretary.

1. If by majority vote of Committee Member Competitors present, the event was not up to recommended or

acceptable Committee standards, the event may be considered a non-points event. The Clerk will be fined

the sanction fee. This is handled as a protest against the organizer and must be submitted in writing

within15 minutes after the grace period ends.

2. Expenses for supplies and observer refreshments are limited to $25.00 per event. All expense claims must

be accompanied by a corresponding receipt or bill. No expenses paid without verification.

3. An event will not be considered a points event until all requirements are met

H. Organizers should consult the AMA Rule Book pertaining to Observed Trials and the N.A.T.C. guidelines for
Observed Trials Organizers and Competitions. Available free @ AMA, 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, Ohio,
43147 (614)856-1900 www.AMADireclink.com.

I. Drug and Alcohol use is prohibited before and during the event. The penalty is disqualification from the event

J.   A rider may not practice in any part of a section prior to the start of the event or be on a loop if closed.
      After finishing- i.e. Completing the required course, a rider may not ride in any section or part of the
       loop that is still under competition. Penalty is disqualification. Spectators must walk.

K. Officials of the event shall be the only non-competitors riding on the loop.
L. When differences or conflicts are not defined by D-4 Rules, the order of precedent shall be:

1. NATC/AMA Rules.

2. FIM Rules

3. The next higher level addressing the issue shall be the authority. Precedence thus established will be considered in affect until formally changed by the Committee members.

2009 D-4 SCORING RULES

Any and all scoring rules used by the observer within a section while a rider is competing, per D-4 Scoring rules § III Definitions, shall be in compliance with those used by the NATC unless singled out and voted otherwise as exemptions by the D-4 Trials Committee membership.

I. CHECKING OFFICIALS

A. The Checking Official at each observed section must be stationed so the entire section is clearly visible.

If the section requires more than one official, penalties will be called to the official at the section's end.

B. Officials may not be changed during the event in order to keep scoring consistent.

C. Officials must position themselves in such a way to always remain visible to the riders.

D. Officials must give each rider a clear signal to enter the section.

II. SCORING

A. Scoring will start when the front axle passes the start markers and will stop when the front axle passes the

finish markers.

B. A rider shall be penalized only for error committed which carries the greatest number of penalty

points. Penalties shall not be cumulative in any section beyond the first 3 points. C. Punch-type scorecards will be carried by the rider.

Cards must not obstruct the view of the rider's number plate.
D. Scoring will based on the FIM Trials Scoring System.

ERROR PENALTY

0 faults

0 POINTS

More than 2

Failure

Missing a section 10
III. DEFINITIONS.

A. Clean;

No error no penalty. B. Faults;

1. Each intentional contact of the rider or his/her machine with the ground or an obstacle (rock, tree, etc.). *

Tires, foot pegs, and engine protection plate are exceptions. A rider may maintain balance with a tire against an obstacle or stop while the skid plate or foot peg is resting on an obstacle with the engine running.

2. Foot rotation counts as one point.

3. Sliding the foot counts as three points.

4. Both feet placed on the ground simultaneously counts as two points.

C. Failures;

1. Rider begins a section without official's acknowledgment.

2. Not riding the line designated for the rider's class by the split gates.

3. The machine moves backwards with or without the rider footing.

4. The machine touches the ground with the front, rear or both wheels outside a boundary. There must
be ground visible between the boundary and tire.

a. It is permissible to float one wheel over a boundary.

b. Jumping a boundary with both wheels is a failure.

5. Any displacement of the markers with the machine or rider, requiring that they be reset, i.e.

breaking or knocking down. Touching a boundary is not a failure. The rider or machine must make

direct contact with the marker.

6. The rider dismounts from the machine and has both feet on the ground on the same side of or

behind the machine. *

7. The rider makes hand contact with any part of the machine, other than the handlebars, when footing, while stationary.

8. The rider receives outside assistance.

9. The rider changes the condition of the section.

10 . The engine of the machine stops with footing or any part of the machine, except one contact point on

each tire, is used for support , without forward motion.

a. A restart in balance accumulates 0 points.

b. Coasting out of a section with a dead engine results in no added points except when footing. *

11. The handle bar is used for support and the machine is beyond 45° from vertical.

12. The machine does a complete loop crossing both is own tracks with both wheels.

13. The front axle passes through start or finish markers more than one time per ride in a section.

14. Riders may not ride through a gate specifically marked for a higher or lower class and designated

as such by the Clerk of the Course at the rider meeting, and posted at the start of the restricted section.

D. Exemptions;

1. There is no mandatory whistle used.

2. There is no time limit within a section.

3. There is no first loop time limit.

4. Gate rule is different, (announced by Clerk and posted)see sec..III, C, 14 above.

IV. OTHER PENALITIES.

A. Unsportsmanlike conduct, 25 points at official's discretion. Subsequent occurrences during the current

season will result in disqualification from the event or AMA disciplinary action.

B. Not attempting a section:

1 . Must wait in line and be recognized to report to Observer, 5 points.

2. Missing section, 10 points, Unpunched sections are considered missed.

3. If un-punched spaces exceed 10% of designated rides, the rider will be considered a non-finisher.

C. Altering a section of an event, before the start - disqualification.

D. Exceeding the 5 mph speed limit also failure to keep both wheels on the ground in the pits: 1^st offense is 25 points, 2nd offense is disqualification during the same season. Only the clerk of the course (referee), chairman, assistant chairman or chief scorer can issue this penalty either as a result of direct observation or complaint by at least 2 credible witnesses.

E. Riding backwards on the loop or short cutting is prohibited for everyone. Penalty is disqualification.

V. PROTESTS.

A. The protest committee shall be comprised of at least three people. Chairman, Organizer, and Rules

Secretary. If one of the above is not available candidates should come from, in the following order; Asst.

Chairman, past Chairman or Rules Secretary, Committee Members.

B. Protests must be written and must specify the pertinent rule infraction. They must be submitted to the

scoring table within the 15 minutes following the grace period. A $10.00 fee must also be submitted with the

protest and if the protest is denied the money will be deposited into the committee treasury.

C. Riders may not protest another rider's score.

D. If a rider is severely distracted by circumstances beyond their control, or their line is blocked by

other riders, spectators, animals etc. they may claim a balk. At the discretion of the observer a

re-ride of the section may be granted. The re-ride score is the one to be counted and punched.

VI. TIES.

A. In case of a tie the ranking will be based on the most number of cleans, then ones, twos or threes will win.

If a tie still exists, then the furthest clean 1, 2, 3 — then the earliest finish time determines the winner.

B. In case of a tie on Championship Points at it the end of the series, the greatest number of wins, then

seconds, thirds etc. will break the tie.

If a tie still persists, then the lowest combined score of all events ridden by both riders will break the tie.

VII. OBSERVER AND SECTION PROTOCOL.

A. The observers job is to score the riders attempt, to maintain a fair and safe contest by enforcing the rules

and maintaining order in the section. The observer is responsible to and supported by the Organizer of the

event in all appropriate actions concerning his/her duties.

B. The observer must not advise, coach, or assist any rider in his/her section.

Helping a rider out of your section after a failure in order to keep the section moving is permitted.

C. If you are unsure of your decision and have no competent witnesses, you must give the rider the benefit of

the doubt.

D. If a rider argues with your decision, give a brief reason for your decision then politely explain to

him/her to file an official protest and leave the section.
If the rider becomes argumentative or abusive, advise him/her of the additional 25 point penalty

he/she will receive. If the rider persists enact the 25 point penalty by punching out the sect #.

Riders refusing to surrender their scorecard must be reported to the Clerk of Course. Failure to

surrender scorecard to an observer will result in disqualification.

E. Expedite each rider’s ride. A rider may only attempt the entire section after a failure on the first loop.

After the first loop send the rider out of the section the quickest way possible.

F. Riders altering the section beyond your tolerance should be reminded that any further actions will

result in a five. You must remain in control of the section.

G. The observer must maintain the boundaries and markers in the condition presented to the first

rider.

Replace or repair any misplaced markers or tape. Materials should be available at the section. H. There is no line of sight rule. A rider may loop out between markers as far as they want unless

restricted by tape.

I. Call for the Clerk of the course or Assistant Clerk if a problem arises.

J. A rider may request a re-ride if distracted while in a section due to problems beyond the riders

control. The re-ride is at the Observer Officials discretion and must be taken immediately.

The re-ride score counts.

K. A rider is responsible for his/her score.

Any disagreements must be cleared up immediately after a ride is completed.

Problems that can not be solved in a timely fashion must be handled with a written protest.

VIII. RADIO PROTOCOL

A. Radios are for official or emergency use only. Non essential communication between sections

Is not allowed.

B. The radio is your responsibility while you are on duty. Make sure they are returned to the scoring table at the end of the event.

D-4 OFFICERS 2008

CHAIRMAN; MARK BUCZKOWSKI 607-796-0560
ASSISTANT CHAIRMAN; DAVID M. REED 607-796-9558

COMPETITION SECRETARY; STEVE FEDORKA 315-497-3408

RULES SECRETARY; RICHARD FREER 716-372-4576

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER; RON BORS 607-257-5640

Revised 3/22/09 RMF revisions in italics, deletions noted with *